I have the original version of Mt. Lion downloader, which I saved from way back when. I tried to use that to reinstall, but the computer wouldn't let me use it--not compatible with the machine, it said. That's weird, since the computer came with Mt. Lion installed. It is 10.8.5, however, rather than the original 10.8.

Apple is picky about incremental versions. You would need a 10.8.5 installer. You could download it again using the new MBA to get a 10.8.5 installer.

I guess I kind of understand the hardware/software integration, but I can boot Windows machines that are only a year or so old from an XP bootable DVD to do maintenance or recover files etc. Try booting a new Mac from a 10.3 DVD.

So this time everything seems to be going ok. I wiped and reinstalled, but instead of using the migration assistant to move files over, I did it all by hand. A real PITA, to be sure, but worth it. I'll see if it continues to be ok.

I know. I was worrying that I'd have to do what Steve said, and get another machine. That would have been horrible, even if I could have gotten the exchange at the nearest Apple Store, which is in the Philly suburbs in one of the most horrible malls in the history of mallhood. I could see myself driving over there on Monday, in the middle of the pre-Christmas frenzy. No thanks!!

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